Structure of Congress
How many members are in the House of Representatives?
435
Which chamber initiates funding (revenue) bills?
House of Representatives
After a bill is introduced in Congress, who is it sent to first?
A committee for study and debate
Which chamber has the power to bring impeachment charges?
House of Representatives
Which congressional district is Omaha in?
2nd District
How many Senators represent each state?
2
Which chamber ratifies treaties and confirms presidential appointments?
Senate
Once a bill passes one house of Congress, where does it go next?
To the other house of Congress
What role does the Senate play in impeachment?
Conducts the trial and votes on removal
Name one current senator from Nebraska
Deb Fischer or Pete Ricketts
How often are members of the House of Representatives elected?
Every 2 years
Name one enumerated power of Congress
(Make & collect taxes, borrow money, trade, regulate commerce, declare war, maintain military, post office, roads, measurements, naturalization, copyrights, maintain federal lands)
A bill comes across the President's desk. What can they do with it?
Sign it, veto it, pocket veto it, or do nothing
What is the Senate's check on presidential appointments?
The Senate confirms them
Who is the leader of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House (Mike Johnson)
How many years is a Senator's term?
6
Congress has the ________ Clause, which allows it to pass laws needed for government to function
Necessary & Proper
What happens if the President does not sign a bill within 10 days while Congress is still in session?
It becomes law
What is Congress's main check on a presidential veto?
Override with a 2/3rd vote
Which chamber elects the President if no candidate wins the majority of votes in the Electoral College?
House of Representatives
What is the minimum age requirement to serve in the House of Representatives?
25
Approximately what percentage of bills ever become laws?
3-4%
What is the term for "stalling" a vote on a bill in the Senate?
Filibuster
Why did the Founders create a bicameral legislature?
To balance the interests of large and small states
Why does each state, no matter how large or small, get two senators?
To ensure equal representation among states (New Jersey Plan)